Nyheim Hines has become the synonym for overcoming adversities! Taking inspiration from his mom’s health battle, the NFL running back has established his name in the league. And, for his current standings in the NFL, he is even grateful to his mom, Nannette Miller. “It’s been a battle, but shoot, without her, I probably wouldn’t be here,” Nyheim, 28 earlier stated. Undoubtedly, the former NC player left many in awe of his notable performances since the Colts drafted him in the 2018 NFL draft.

Hines’s major accomplishments include setting the Colts’ record for punt return TD and YRDS yards in a single game. Nyheim Hines missed the entire 2023 season because of his knee injury in a freak jet skiing accident during the off-season. After being released by the Bills, he inked the deal with the Browns on March 13, 2024. However, he could not make his return from an ACL tear during the 2024 season. And, now his future in the NFL seems uncertain after being released by the Cleveland Browns on 19th Feb. Though, with the strong off-field backing of his father Darrin Miller, and mom, he is ready to grab the new opportunity in 2025.

Who are Nyheim Hines’ mom Nannette Miller and dad Darrin Miller?

Nyheim Hines’ mother, Nannette Miller, has battled muscular dystrophy, which generally causes progressive muscle weakness for over a decade. His mom’s deteriorating health with this genetic illness made him the strongest person. And, absolutely, his mom’s challenges, taught Nyheim to balance the personal problems with the demands of being an incredible football player.

“Here, even if it’s going good — it’s not that we’re stressed, but I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best I can be. I know I have a role here and they’re depending on me to do it 100 percent, and I take pride in that every day,” NFL RB stated during the Colts interview before his 2022 season.

Luckily, besides Hines, his mom, Nannette Miller, has his twin sister to take care of her. When she was diagnosed with this disease, her kids were pursuing their high school. It was really a hard time for the Hines family. But they endured all this because of the strong bonding and mutual support as Hines found strength in his twin sister.

Besides his sister and mom, his father, Darrin Miller, is always there for him to support him in his NFL career. His bond with his dad went viral, back in January 2023, when he was playing for the Bills.

During the Bills vs. Patriots’ games on Jan. 8, 2023, when he helped the Bills win 35-23 by passing two kickoff return TDs, his dad reflected his sentiments. After his impressive playoff, Darrin Miller appeared in a 99.9 The Fan ESPN radio show to express his belief in his son’s play. “It’s so funny. Nahim knew what was coming. I was going to say that Nahim always knows when something’s coming the return,” his dad iterated. It indeed showcased his strong bond with his NFL son.

Hence, he has made his name in the NFL with his mom’s struggle and dad’s unwavering support.

How has his mom’s health struggle left an impact on his life?

Taking care of Mom while balancing his professional career is truly a big challenge for the RB. But, impressively, he has dealt with the struggle with resilience. It was highlighted in the Spectrum News article published back in Nov. 2022. “Obviously, I play a strenuous sport where my legs are tired, after a game, it hurts me to walk up the steps, but it gives me perspective when I wake up and I have to help my mom get out of bed. I have to help her brush her teeth. I have to brush her hair for her,” he remarked.

He expressed how soreness and physical attributes gave him a complete perspective. “No matter what soreness I feel or what physical attributes I feel, it gives me complete perspective because there’s people that wake up every day with that Sunday morning feeling or my mom actually feels worse than that. People get skinnier. My mom’s face is deteriorating. So it’s hard and it’s tough over the years to watch your mom wither away and get weaker.”

Clearly, Nyheim Hines went through a lot because of his mom’s struggling disease. But he definitely found strength from his mom’s ultra-challenging life.